The ITU Executive Board recently met in Madrid ahead of the 29th Congress to hold its final reunion of the year, during which several important topics including competition rules, the approval of future ITU calendars, and more were debated.
The 29th Congress will be held on Sunday, during which National Federations will vote on ITU’s future President, Vice President, Executive Board and Committee positions. ITU President Marisol Casado is running un-opposed and is expecting to welcome IOC President Thomas Bach to Madrid for the event.
Congress will be streamed live here.
In relation to competition rules, the Board approved the use of disc breaks for non-drafting competitions. Paratriathlon will now offer six sport class races, as opposed to five. Furthermore, the former PT1 class split into subdivisions. Under this new classification, all sport classes will be renamed.
The field of athletes at ITU World Triathlon Series events will be reduced from 65 to 60, while elite competitions on the Grand Final and World Cups will see 70 athletes race as opposed to 75. The paratriathlon fields have been increased in most competitions.
In addition, athletes will be permitted thee use of mobile devices. However, any equipment that covers or is inserted into the ears are not allowed in competition.
The Executive Board also approved the 2017 Paratriathlon calendar, which will be reformatted to offer two level of paratriathlon races. Three races, which will be held alongside a World Triathlon Series in Gold Coast, Yokohama and Edmonton, will offer higher points to paratriathletes to encourage athletes to focus on these pinnacle events. An additional four Paratriathlon World Cups will be held around the world, with the possibility to add more races.
Paratriatlon calendar:
World Paratriathlon Series Gold Coast – April 8-9
World Paratriathlon Series Yokohama – May 13-14
Paratriathlon World Cup Besancon – June 3-4
Paratriathlon World Cup Altafulla – July 1-2
Paratriathlon World Cup Iseo – July 8-9
Paratriathlon World Cup Magog – July 15-16
World Paratriathlon Series Edmonton – July 29-30
Paratriathlon World Cup Alanya – September 30 - October 1
Paratriathlon World Cup Sarasota – October 7-8
The newly-elected Board will hold its first meeting immediately following elections on Sunday, December 11.